URGING SWEDEN TO DO MORE IN AFGHANISTAN

C O N F I D E N T I A L STOCKHOLM 000029

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/11/2017
TAGS: PREL MOPS PGOV SW
SUBJECT: URGING SWEDEN TO DO MORE IN AFGHANISTAN

REF: A. US MISSION USNATO 610

B. IIR 6 892 0082 08 (STOCKHOLM DAO IIR DTG 091440Z
JAN 08)

Classified By: Charge d'affaires a.i. Robert Silverman for reasons 1.4
(b) and (d).

Summary
--------------

1. (C) We should ask Sweden to plus up its ISAF operation in
Afghanistan with additional manpower and resources, possibly
including medevac helicopters, JAS Gripen fighters, and
Operational Mentor and Liaison (OMLT) teams. Timing and
developments affecting other international deployments may
make this a good moment to ask for Afghanistan, though FM
Bildt may want some additional assets for the EU's proposed
ESDP mission to Chad. Sweden has legislative authorization
for more troops in Afghanistan, and it might be able to find
them -- but high-level requests and a formal demarche are
needed. End Summary.

Doing More in Afghanistan
--------------

2. (C) Sweden makes a substantial contribution to ISAF
efforts in Afghanistan, leading the PRT in Mazar-e-Sharif
with 365 Swedish troops. Noting shortfalls in ISAF
contributions from NATO allies (ref A),we should ask the
Swedes, the leading NATO Partner for Cooperation, what
additional contributions they may be able make in
Afghanistan.


3. (C) Sweden's government has signaled an intent to
increase its international deployments. In additional to its
troops in Afghanistan, Sweden has 358 troops under NATO
command in Kosovo, and heads the EU's Nordic Battle Group
(NBG) that includes 2,800 troops, of which 2,300 are Swedes.
Swedish NBG troops are committed through June 30, 2008;
following that period, many of them are earmarked to rotate
as replacements into Kosovo or Afghanistan. In March 2006,
the Parliament increased Sweden's authorized troop strength
in Afghanistan, explaining the move as necessary to ensure
the possibility of overlap during rotations, and to give
flexibility to respond to new circumstances.


4. (C) Sweden announced January 9 it was withdrawing its
offer to send to send 200 troops to UNAMID in Darfur as part
of a joint Swedish/Norwegian engineering unit. Sweden also
has 200 troops pledged to the EU's long-postponed ESDP Peace
Keeping Operation in Chad and the Central African Republic.
The cancellation of the UNAMID deployment may free up Swedish
resources that could be directed to Afghanistan. Separately,
we are hearing that FM Bildt may want the freed up Darfur
forces added to the proposed Swedish contingent for Chad.


5. (C) Sweden has other potential assets for Afghanistan:

-- Newly acquired HKP 10 Super Puma Medevac Helicopter that
could possibly be deployed in Afghanistan after June 30, when
the NBG completes its commitment.

-- JAS Gripen fighters. Sweden's Armed Forces has publicly
suggested sending JAS Gripen fighter aircraft to Afghanistan.
The Swedish military lobbied for the deployment, arguing
that possible combat experience would be good for the Air
Force -- and enhance the marketability of the Gripen.

-- Military advisers who could possibly relieve U.S.personnel
on OMLT teams working with Afghan forces in ISAF Regional
Command North.


6. (C) Comment and action request: Sweden has the
legislative authority and appears to have the resources to
make additional contributions in Afghanistan. By current
legislation, any additions would be limited to the northern
Mazar-e-Sharif PRT area. Post would appreciate receiving
guidance to use with the Swedish government.
SILVERMAN